Chiropractic sports science: a new perspective

Article Abstract:

Sports science is a term used to describe and explain natural phenomena associated with physical activity and sports. The specialties included under this heading are exercise physiology, motor learning, sports and exercise biomechanics, sports psychology, sports sociology and exercise biochemistry. The clinical sports sciences aim at the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. Since most forms of athletics require the cooperation of physiology and biomechanics, chiropractors have much to offer athletes seeking optimization of their resources or treatment for injuries. Many star athletes rely on chiropractic care and claim a dramatic effect on performance. Sports chiropractors look at joint movement somewhat differently than traditional sports medicine practitioners. Besides active and passive joint movement, which is usually the total focus, the degree of joint play, or movement beyond the active or passive range of motion, is the focus of chiropractic evaluation. If joint play is not optimal it can affect range of motion and voluntary muscle action. One cause of loss of joint play is scar formation and fibrosis in areas around a joint which was previously injured. An athlete who has joint dysfunction may not be aware of it until performing a certain motion for an increased length of time results in pain. Rest will usually relieve the pain until the joint is stressed again. Post-traumatic joint pain will prevent the normal functioning of the muscles and the normal range of joint motion, and often goes undiagnosed by attending medical therapists. Correction of joint dysfunction also prevents muscle and ligament tears. The chiropractor facilitates optimal joint play through the active manipulation of joints. With chiropractic evaluation and treatment an athlete can expect optimum muscle function, improved range of motion, improved coordination and balance, and fewer performance injuries. This is especially beneficial early in the training process. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Injuries, Physiological aspects, Sports, Sports medicine, Athletes, Sports sciences

---

The basis for a successful practice is 'PR,' patient relations

Article Abstract:

Effective management of a chiropractic practice is founded on good business practice, coupled with a trusting patient-chiropractor relationship. While in the short-term gimmicks may produce favorable financial results, ultimately only diagnostic competence and patient confidence will suffice. Success is related to the chiropractor's diagnostic ability and to the patient's perceiving the chiropractor to be a competent clinician. Without the human skills for conveying clinical competence, it is not possible to build a successful chiropractic practice. The tone of the initial contact with the patient, obtaining a proper medical history, and reviewing a patient's health are key elements in building patient confidence. The chiropractor should clearly send the message to the patient that he/she is a real doctor, interested in what is wrong with the patient, and capable of diagnosing and curing these problems. To demonstrate superior understanding of the patient's condition, particular emphasis should be given to the orthopedic and physical examination, and areas of particular chiropractic expertise. A therapeutic consultation with the patient is an important aspect of chiropractic practice, because the patient is asked to become involved in the treatment. Other effective methods of practice building include after-hours group meetings at which current patients and potential patients may freely ask questions and receive help. Asking patients to assist the chiropractor in helping others through referrals is another important and effective means of practice building. Simple techniques of human relations, such as speaking to patients, calling them by name, being friendly and encouraging, contribute to the development of a successful chiropractic practice. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Marketing

---

Patient relations: what influences patients and builds respect

Article Abstract:

The esteem in which medical doctors are held by the general public is at an all-time low. According to surveys, patients often feel that conventional physicians treat them with indifference, talk-down to them, and fail to include them in health care decisions. This growing disdain is expressed by the increased level of litigations against physicians for malpractice. Many of these problems are derived not from the cavalier attitude of the physicians themselves, but from the stress that medical doctors, nurses, and technicians feel as the medical profession is increasingly pressured by financial restraints, and the inability to spend more time with individual patients. These problems are not isolated to health care and to the medical profession; they flow from an increasingly more impersonal society at large. Chiropractors, who have traditionally been ''high-touch'' professionals, must resist such pressures lest they too face a break-down of closer patient relations. Many articles in the November 1990 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic are concerned with building and maintaining a successful chiropractic practice through patient relationships, and remind chiropractors to treat people, not illnesses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Biliary lithotripsy: a perspective. Nonsurgical treatment of gallstones. Dissolution of cholesterol gallbladder stones by methyl tert-butyl ether administered by percutaneous transhepatic catheter
• Abstracts: Critical (panic) value notification: an established laboratory practice policy (parameter). Regulations for implementing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988: a summary
• Abstracts: Cervical os obliteration after laser surgery in patients with amenorrhea. Treatment of pulmonary endometriosis with a long-acting GnRH agonist
• Abstracts: The incidence of preterm labor and specific risk factors. Pregnancy after successful vaginoplasty and cervical stenting for partial atresia of the cervix
• Abstracts: Occupational risks for child-care providers and teachers. The Case for Conservative Management of Early HIV Disease

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.